Toroidal manipulative puzzle

ABSTRACT

A toroidal manipulative puzzle. At least three sets of puzzle pieces are provided, a base set comprising at least five fixed puzzle pieces, an upper set of puzzle pieces corresponding one-to-one with said base set, and a migratory set of puzzle pieces. The base set of puzzle pieces define a base layer of the puzzle and the upper set defines an upper layer of the puzzle. An upper track member associated with the upper layer defines a ring-like horizontally disposed travel path around an open center of the puzzle. The travel path provides, under a condition in which the migratory puzzle pieces are in horizontal states of alignment with the base and upper layers, for relative rotations of the layers. Under a condition in which the puzzle pieces of the base and upper sets are in vertical states of alignment with each other, the migratory puzzle pieces are permitted to circulate about the travel path and thereby move between the layers.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/160,318, filed Mar. 15, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to twisty puzzles and more specifically it relates to a mechanical puzzle for providing a rotating puzzle construction—two or more layers of pieces having an ability to rotate around a common vertical axis independently from each other, circularly interconnected and having an opening in the rotating center and the and the puzzle comprised of no less than two pieces, located in different layers, one above the other, which can, by rotating around their common axis, move from one layer to another.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a twisty puzzle which includes A base 10 which is composed of key pieces 12, placed in a circle and attached to the body of a toroid 11;

Sliding pieces 20, placed in a circle in a different layer and having a bore and/or a protrusion with a suitable cross-section 22, using which they are attached to the body of the toroid 11. Because of this the pieces of one layer could rotate in relation to another layer around a central axis;

Rotation pieces 30 having protrusions and/or bores 31 for catching to adjacent pieces and a bore 32, which allows them to rotate around the toroid 11 without touching it. The rotation pieces 30 are joined with key pieces 12 and sliding pieces 20 using bores and/or protrusions 31 and could rotate between them and/or between each other.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to, the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

An object is to provide a mechanical puzzle for providing a rotating puzzle construction—two or more layers of pieces having an ability to rotate around a common vertical axis independently from each other, circularly interconnected and having an opening in the rotating center and the and the puzzle comprised of no less than two pieces, located in different layers, one above the other, which can, by rotating around their common axis, move from one layer to another.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of two or more layers, interconnected parts placed in a circle, in which the above mentioned layers could rotate independently from each other around a common vertical axis and be able to interchange pieces between layers.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of several ring-shaped or toroidal layers, made up of pieces, which could rotate independently from each other around a central vertical axis, while keeping the integrity of the construction and be able to interchange pieces between layers.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of several regular polygon-shaped layers, made up of pieces, with a polygon opening in the middle, which could rotate independently from each other around a central vertical axis, while keeping the integrity of the construction and be able to interchange pieces between layers.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of two such layers, each of which is comprised of a plurality of pieces, which have only two variations in external appearance.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of two such layers, one of which has a part that functions as a base with an integral design, while these layers are interconnected with a toroidal body having any suitable cross-section or any other available method.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of two layers and the same base, where edges in any two adjacent pieces of the base have edges which turn towards each other and are either concave or convex, which stops the piece from falling out and allows it to rotate in order move from one layer to another.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of three layers of pieces, each of which is made up of parts placed in a circle and the middle layer acts as the base, on which the top and the bottom layers of pieces rotate independently.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of three layers of pieces, each of which is made up of parts placed in a circle and outer layers serve as bases, which could rotate independently while being joined with the middle layer, comprised of separate pieces.

Another object is to provide a. Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of a base, which has a toroidal body having any suitable cross-section on the upper and the lower side, all of which makes an integrated design and on which the pieces from the outer layers could move.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of a base of parts attached together at the axis and has toroidal protuberances having any suitable cross section on the upper and lower side, on which the pieces of the upper and lower layers could move.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of the same base and between any adjacent pieces of the base other types of pieces are placed, which are conjoined with them by means of protuberances and bores, which allow them to freely rotate between parts of the base.

Another object is to provide a Mechanical Puzzle that is comprised of the same base and a central piece located between the parts of the base which has protuberances or bores that holds the pieces of the upper or lower layers together while they move in a circle.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Preferred embodiment of the puzzle of two layers (the latter is shown with rotated layers).

FIG. 2: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of puzzles with three layers (two of them are shown with rotated blocks).

FIG. 3, 3A: is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 The base for the puzzle with two layers. Triangular (trapezoid) parts 12—we call them “key parts”, are attached to a toroidal body 11 (further—toroid) which form an integral design.

FIG. 3A Key pieces 12, a toroid 11 is placed on the last one.

FIG. 4: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. Rectangular rotation pieces 30 are placed between the key parts 12 and triangular (trapezoid) sliding pieces 20 of the top row are placed on top.

FIG. 5: is an exploded lower perspective view and a lower perspective view of the present invention. Rotation parts 30 shown assembled and taken apart.

FIG. 6: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Sliding pieces 20.

FIG. 7,7A: is an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Other different versions of the sliding pieces 20.

FIG. 8: is an exploded upper perspective view, a lower perspective view, an exploded lower perspective view and an upper perspective view of the present invention. Principle by which the sliding pieces 20 join with the toroid 11 and the key piece 12.

FIG. 9: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. A demonstration of how the rotating blocks 30 turn between the base parts because of the protrusions and bores 31.

FIG. 10,10A: is an exploded upper perspective view and an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 10 The puzzle of two layers in an almost assembled view and the top layer is rotated in relation to the bottom one.

FIG. 10A A puzzle of two layers fully assembled and a part of the blocks is turned.

FIG. 11: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. A base for the puzzle with three layers. Key triangular (trapezoid) pieces 12 are attached to two toroids 11, forming an integral design. One of the toroids 11 is sectioned for viewing.

FIG. 12,12A: is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 12 Look of the key piece 12.

FIG. 12A Look of the key piece 12 with the toroids 11.

FIG. 13: is an upper perspective view and an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. Rotation pieces 30 in assembled and exploded views.

FIG. 14: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Sliding pieces 20 with the pieces of toroids 11.

FIG. 15: is an exploded upper perspective view and 15A an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 15 A part of the puzzle, assembled, some of the pieces are turned over.

FIG. 15A A puzzle of three layers fully assembled.

FIG. 15B,15C An alternative version of the puzzle of 3 layers, the toroids 11 are attached to the outer layer, not the middle one.

FIG. 16: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Base for the three layer puzzle with a harder design. Key pieces 12 are joined into an integral construction preferably using cylindrical parts (axes) 14 with toroid segments 13 attached to the top and the bottom.

FIG. 17: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. One of the parts of the base with an axis 14 and a restrictor 16 attached.

FIG. 18: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Central piece 15 on the base's axis 14.

FIG. 19: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. Two key pieces 12 with segments of the toroid 13 with a central piece 15 on the axis 14 between them.

FIG. 20: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The triangular sliding piece 20 moves on the segments of the base toroid 13 and universal protrusion on the central piece 15.

FIG. 21: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. Four pieces with universal bores 17 are put on the universal protrusions of the central piece 15.

FIG. 22: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. A piece with a universal bore 17.

FIG. 23: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. Exploded view of a part of the rotation pieces 30, located between the central piece 15 and the triangular pieces.

FIG. 24: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. A part of the construction in a semi-assembled view.

FIG. 25: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. Rotation pieces 30 and a restrictor 16.

FIG. 26: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. One of the pieces of the puzzle construction in an assembled view with except the three last rotation pieces 30.

FIG. 27: is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention. Detailed view of a part of the puzzle.

FIG. 28: is an upper perspective view of the present invention. The puzzle with three layers in an assembled view.

FIG. 29: is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a toroidal manipulative puzzle according to the present invention, showing key pieces and tubular members connecting the key pieces, with rotation pieces removed from the tubular members for clarity.

FIG. 30: is a perspective view of the puzzle as shown in FIG. 29, with an upper layer removed.

FIG. 31: is a perspective view of the puzzle as shown in FIG. 30, with a lower layer removed.

FIG. 32: is a partially exploded, perspective view of a three-layered block of rotation pieces for attachment to one of the tubular members of the portion of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33: is cut-away, perspective view of the rotation pieces of FIG. 32 attached to the tubular member of the portion of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate a base 10 which is comprised of key pieces 12, placed in a circle and attached to the body of a toroid 11;

Sliding pieces 20, placed in a circle in a different layer and having a bore(s) and/or a protrusion(s) with a suitable cross-section 22, using which they are attached to the body of the toroid 11. Because of this the pieces of one layer could rotate in relation to another layer around a central axis;

Rotation pieces 30 having protrusion(s) and/or bore(s) 31 for catching to adjacent pieces and a bore 32, which allows them to rotate around the toroid 11 without touching it. The rotation pieces 30 are joined with key pieces 12 and sliding pieces 20 using bore(s) and/or protrusion(s) 31 and could rotate between them and/or between each other.

B. (10) The Base

The base is comprised of parts placed in a circle and includes triangular or trapezoid pieces (not necessarily regular shape, sides can be concave or convex) and toroidal cross-section suitable for attachment. (Here and further it is talked about the top view, when talking about the two dimensional shapes.) Under the toroid there is a torus-shaped body, but unlike a torus, its perpendicular cross-section doesn't have to be circular, but can have any closed shape. The toroid(s) could be not whole, but out of segments and in this case an axis is included into the structure which joins the pieces of the base into an integral construction and the central piece with protrusions could be included, which helps the pieces of the construction stay joined to the base. Aside from that, there are protrusion(s) and/or bore(s) on the vertical sides of the base, which keep the rotation pieces from disjoining and allow them to rotate. The function of the base is to keep the integrity of the construction, get joined to the sliding pieces and rotation pieces, while not restricting their rotation and sliding, respectively. The toroid(s) and the axis can be attached to other pieces of the base with any known method, including screws, bolts, glue, etc, or manufactured as a part of the base or one whole. The central piece is put on the axis and can rotate freely.

The base 10 is comprised of key pieces 12 with toroids 11 attached to them on one or two sides as can be seen on FIGS. 3, 3A, 10, 11,15B, 15C and 16. The amount of key pieces 12 can be three or higher. The base 10 is an integral design and the rest of the pieces are held on it or by means of it. In the alternative construction, FIG. 15B, 15C, two bases 10 are joined together with sliding pieces 20 of the middle layer. Toroid 11 could be attached to the key pieces 12 with any known method, which ensures the integrity of the construction.

Toroid 11 could have any cross section, suitable for attachment to the sliding pieces 20 as shown on FIG. 8, 14. One of the variations of the base 10 is shown on FIG. 16. Segments of the toroids 13 on it are the base for sliding pieces 20, and key pieces 12 are connected into an integral construction using the axis 14. Sliding pieces 20 could move on the segments of the toroids 13 passing empty spaces due to the length of the bore for catching onto the toroid 22 FIG. 7, 7A especially in the puzzle designs with a small amount of key pieces 12. On FIG. 20 an additional central piece 15 is shown with universal protrusions, which serve as extra segments of the toroid, which help the sliding pieces 20 move in a circle. The central piece with universal protrusions 15 could rotate around the axis 14 and is located in a certain place on it thanks to the restrictors 16, as shown on FIGS. 18-20. Key pieces 12 have protrusion(s) and/or bore(s) 12A on their vertical sides as shown on FIGS. 3, 3A, 9, 11, 12, 12A. They serve to connect them with rotation pieces 30.

C. (20) The Sliding Piece

The sliding piece is predominantly triangular or trapezoid (not necessarily regular, the sides could be concave or convex) and has bore(s) and/or protrusion(s), allowing them to be joined with the base's toroid and slide on it in a circle. On two of its sides, placed perpendicularly to the line of the circle there are protrusion(s) and/or bore(s) which help hold the adjacent rotation pieces. The geometrical shape of the protrusions and bores allows the adjoining rotation pieces to turn without falling out of the general construction. The function of the sliding pieces is to be joined with the base, carry the rotation pieces of the corresponding layer while sliding around, so the layers of the puzzle could change their positions in relation to each other and together with the pieces of the base serve as the base for the rotation of the rotation pieces. In an alternative construction, in which the base is joined by the axes, the sliding piece could be connected with the base's parts using segment of toroids and the central piece, having corresponding protrusions or bores.

Sliding pieces 20 FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 7A, 8, 14, 20 have such a geometrical shape, so that when it is joined with the other pieces of the same layer in a circle, a construction results with an opening in the middle, like on FIGS. 1, 2, 10A, 15A, 28. Although the images show the sliding piece 20 as a three-sided prism, this piece can have any shape that allows it to perform its functions—including with convex sides. The sliding piece 20 has in its body bore(s) or/and protrusion(s) FIG. 6, 7, 8, 14, 20 for joining with the rotation pieces 21 and bores or/and protrusions for catching onto the toroid 22. With the help of the bore or protrusion for catching onto the toroid 22 it holds onto the toroid 11 or onto the toroid segment 13 and universal protrusions on the central piece 15 on an alternative construction, as shown on FIG. 20. As it can be seen on FIGS. 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 14, the bore (protrusion) for catching onto the toroid 22 has a shape allowing it to catch onto the toroid 11, which allows the sliding piece 20 to slide on it in a circle. This prevents its movement in other directions using the toroid 11 and the whole construction, which doesn't allow the sliding pieces 20 to move in the direction of the construction's center.

The bore for catching on to the toroid 22 can have different shapes and lengths, FIG. 6, 7, 7A, 14, 15C. The bores for connecting with rotation pieces 21 are bore(s) and/or protrusion(s) on the sides, into which parts of the rotation pieces 30 go fully or partly.

The shape of the bores is such that the rotation pieces 30 could freely rotate, but cannot fall out of the construction.

D. (30) The Rotation Piece

The rotation pieces are predominantly rectangular (not necessarily regular, the sides could be concave or convex) and have bore(s) and/or protrusion(s), allowing them to join with each other and adjacent pieces. The geometrical shape of the protrusions and bores allows them to rotate between pieces of the base, sliding pieces and between themselves. In their inner space there is an emptiness which allows them to rotate without touching the toroid(s). The function of the rotation pieces is to create the ability to transfer pieces with different outward appearances from one layer of the puzzle to another for a more complicated game and a more interesting outward appearance of the puzzle. The rotation pieces are connected with each other and the sliding pieces by means of protrusion(s) and/or bore(s). Aside from that, they can be additionally joined with a central piece, for a harder design.

Rotation pieces 30, shown on FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 9, 10, 10A, 13, 15, 15B, 15C, 23, 25, 26, 27 have a predominantly rectangular external shape, but can have absolutely any shapes, which wont hinder their rotation and movement on the construction's layers. Their internal shape can also be anything, as long as it doesn't stop them from carrying out their functions. Rotation pieces 30 have on their vertical sides protrusion(s) and/or bore(s) 31 to connect with the sliding pieces 20 and other rotation pieces 30. They allow the vertical groups of rotation pieces 30 to freely rotate between the group(s), including the key piece 12 and the sliding pieces 20, which at the moment are one above the other and/or between other vertical groups of rotation pieces 30, FIGS. 9, 15, 27. The bore 32, to avoid contact with the toroid during rotation allows rotation pieces 30 to freely turn around the toroid(s) 11 or segments of toroids 13 without coming in contact with them. It can be seen on FIGS. 5, 9, 13, 15, 15B, 15C.

In an alternative puzzle construction, FIGS. 16-28, the central piece with universal protrusions 15 is joined with the piece with a universal bore 17, as can be seen on FIGS. 21-24. The piece 17 has protrusion(s) and/or bore(s) 31 as well for connecting with adjacent pieces in a vertical plane. All of this gives extra hardness to the puzzle's construction. Protrusions and bores on pieces 15; 17 are called universal, because they have an optimal shape for the construction to function during any turn of groups of rotation pieces and layers of the puzzle in relation to each other. The central piece 15 is connected with pieces 17, FIG. 21, 22. The universal protrusion on piece 15 has such a shape, that it will serve as a guide for sliding in a circle of sliding pieces 20 regardless of whether it is located in the upper layer of the puzzle or the lower. The universal bores on piece 17 could slide on the segments of toroids 13, regardless of whether the piece 17 is currently located at the top or at the bottom of the puzzle. On FIG. 22 it can be seen, that the bore on piece 17 is universal for the lower and upper segments of toroids 13.

E. Alternative Embodiments of Invention

Bores 12A, 21 and 31 could alternatively be exchanged with protrusions and vice versa and the shape of the protrusions and bores could be anything (for example the shape of a half-sphere) suitable for rotation of pieces joined with other pieces and stops them from moving in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, FIGS. 9, 15 and 27.

The puzzle blocks 12, 20 and 30 can be made out of any material, in any variety of shapes and colors or marked with any of a variety of signs.

On FIGS. 17, 18, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 it is consequently shown how the puzzle's version with an alternative base 10 is assembled.

No mention is made here of the material to construct these puzzles. It may be plastic, wood, metal, etc., or a combination of different material. Spring support and ball bearing to stabilize the rest positions and enhance the quality of motion is desirable as is now standard. Since these items are not new, they are not discussed further. Exact dimensions are not mentioned, since this is a relative matter and be varied. Relative dimensions are provided where essential.

After manufacturing the puzzle's parts, it can be assembled into a general construction using any available methods. For example, the toroids 11 can be manufactured as two halves that have plastic catches on their ends. Each half of the puzzle if assembled into the required construction and the two halves of the puzzle snap into a single construction with the help of female-male type catches, at the ends of the toroid. Or one of the pieces has an opening, through which halves of the toroids are screwed together.

Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the outward appearance of the pieces could be convex, or the whole puzzle, when assembled, could look like a torus or rotation pieces 30 can be divided into an even greater amount using the same mechanism as shown on FIG. 1.

F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

Let's call the starting position such a position of the blocks that it is possible to rotate the layers of the puzzle in relation to each other, or start rotating the rotation pieces 30 and let's call intermediate position any other position of the blocks. On FIG. 2 the first puzzle is in the starting position, and the rest of them are in intermediate positions. The principle of this puzzle is, like in the famous Rubik's Cube, by moving the blocks to assemble preassigned patters of colors, textures, symbols or shapes. For this the user could with a certain amount of random movements mix up the blocks of the puzzle and then again attempt to assemble some known pattern.

The functioning of the puzzle with two layers, FIGS. 1, 3-10.

The base 10, FIG. 3, is comprised of the toroid 11 and key pieces 12 FIG. 3A. The sliding pieces 20 can move on the toroid 11, which can be seen on FIG. 4. In the starting position the rotation pieces 30 could rotate, moving from the bottom layer of the base 10 to the top layer and vice versa. The bore 32, FIG. 9, helps to avoid contact of the toroid during rotation. After the rotation pieces 30 move to another layer and the construction returns to the starting position, some of the rotation pieces 30 could move in a circle of the layer into a different sector of the puzzle and mix there with another group of rotation pieces 30.

The functioning of the puzzle with three layers, FIGS. 2, 11-15.

The base 10 is comprised of two toroids 11, which are there for the sliding pieces of the outer layers to move on them, FIG. 11 and key pieces 12, FIG. 11, 12, 12A. Toroids 11 are connected to them and the sliding piece 20, FIG. 14 has the bore that catches onto the toroid 22. Rotation pieces 30 form a group of three layers, FIG. 13. This group of pieces can rotate as a whole and separately, thanks to bores and protrusions 31, as can be seen on FIG. 2 on the last piece. Rotation pieces 30 could rotate by any angle in increments of 90 degrees, so the puzzle could come back to the starting position. After this other groups of rotation pieces 30 or layers of the puzzle could rotate in relation to each other. The bore 32, FIG. 13, helps to avoid contact with the toroid during rotation.

An alternative version of the puzzle of the same type is shown on FIGS. 15B and 15C. The outer layers are comprised of key pieces 12 with attached toroids 11. These outer layers are joined into an integral construction using sliding pieces 20, which have corresponding protrusions for holding the toroids 11 from both sides.

The functioning of the puzzle with three layers with an alternative base 10, FIGS. 16-28. From the viewpoint of outward appearance this puzzle, does not differ from the previous one, but has a harder construction. The sliding pieces 20 move on the segments of the toroid 13 and the universal protrusions on the central piece 15, FIG. 20. In the center of a group of rotation pieces an axis 14 located and the central piece 15 could rotate on it, FIGS. 18, 19. The user moves the sliding pieces 20 or groups of rotation pieces 30 to make the required pattern of shape, texture, color or symbols on the external side of the pieces.

Sliding pieces 20, shown on FIG. 7 and the last piece on FIG. 7A have a shape, suitable for easy manufacturing using the injection molding method.

G. Additional Description

FIGS. 29-33 show various aspects of another alternative embodiment of a toroidal manipulative puzzle according to the invention. In this embodiment, the key pieces 12 are joined by tubular members 40 as shown in FIG. 29 instead of toroids 11. In this three layer example, there are three layers of key pieces 12, namely 12 _(UPPER), 12 _(MIDDLE), and 12 _(LOWER), and three corresponding separate portions of the tubular members, namely 40 _(UPPER), 40 _(MIDDLE), and 40 _(LOWER) (see FIGS. 29 and 30).

A block 42 of rotation pieces 30 (shown partially exploded in FIG. 32) surrounds each tubular member 40. The pieces 30 rotate about the tubular members 40 as shown in FIG. 33. Spring-like detent mechanisms 44 a provide for positive engagement of the tubular members with the pieces 30 when the pieces are in positions of preferred alignment therewith. The tubular members enclose, in this three layer embodiment, two rotating tracks 46 a, 46 b (each shown in FIG. 30 as being formed of two joinable halves, where one of the halves is omitted for clarity) which carries a corresponding layer (e.g., 12 _(UPPER) and 12 _(LOWER), respectively) of the key pieces 12. Spring-like detent mechanisms 44 b provide for positive engagement of the rotating tracks with, in this example, the middle layer 12 _(MIDDLE) of the key pieces 12 in positions of preferred alignment therebetween.

H. Summation

There are three types of puzzle pieces:

-   1) Fixed pieces (corresponding to previously described “key     pieces”). -   2) Translating pieces. -   3) Migratory pieces (corresponding to previously described “rotation     pieces”).

The puzzle defines at least two layers: a base layer in which translation is not permitted and which includes the fixed pieces, and one or more outer or “translating” layers in each of which translating puzzle pieces, as well as selected migratory puzzle pieces, can be translated along respective closed, curvilinear travel paths, which are preferably circular. In a 3 layer puzzle, there is a base layer disposed between two translating layers. Without loss of generality, the layers are referred to as being horizontally disposed and vertically stacked, with upper and/or lower layers relative to a base layer for clarity.

The travel path is ring-like or toroidal, with translation (in the horizontal) being about a central axis “L” perpendicular to the plane of translation, the axis extending vertically through an open center “C” of the puzzle (where “L” and “C” are referenced in FIG. 31). The migratory pieces are capable of translating as are the translating pieces, but the migratory pieces are also capable of circulating about the travel path in vertically oriented rotational planes when properly aligned.

The translating layers include translating pieces that are in one-to-one correspondence with the fixed pieces of the base layer. The translating pieces that are in a given translating layer remain in that layer.

The migratory pieces are formed of horizontally slidably independent sections, each of which can be positioned to correspond to a different one of the horizontally disposed layers. For example, in a 3 layer puzzle, the migratory pieces will be sectioned into at least three horizontally slidably independent portions. The upper layer will include an uppermost one of these slidably independent portions, the lower layer will include a lowermost one of these slidably independent portions, and the base layer will include a slidably independent portion that is disposed between the uppermost and lowermost portions.

The pieces of a given layer are provided in a continuous, abutting sequence. In the translating layer, the sequence is as follows: (1) a translating piece; (2) the upper or lowermost portions of one or more migratory pieces; and (3) a translating piece. In the base layer, the sequence is as follows: (1) a fixed piece; (2) the middle portions of one or more migratory pieces; and (3) a fixed piece.

There is at least one track that defines the curvilinear path associated with a translating layer. The track may be an integral whole, or it may be formed of separate track segments. If it is formed of separate track segments, the segments could be structurally connected to each other to form a structural whole, or the track segments could be structurally disconnected from one another. If the track segments are structurally disconnected from one another, they may either abut one another or be spaced apart from one another.

If the track is either integrally or otherwise structurally whole, it may be used as a foundation for connecting and fixing the position of the fixed pieces in the base layer. Otherwise, one or more additional structural members will be needed to serve this purpose.

The positions of the fixed pieces define corners of a regular polygon. The polygon can have five or more corners, and therefore five or more fixed pieces, and preferably has six corners, corresponding to a hexagon.

In the embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 1-28, the translating pieces of a given translating layer slide along the travel path defined for that layer. Each translating piece has an aperture for receiving the track or track segments therethrough. The aperture is shaped to correspond to the shape of the track in cross-section. The aperture functions as a “captivating groove” for capturing the translating puzzle pieces by retaining them to the track or track segments. For example, the aperture may be provided with an undercut, with the cross-section of the track or track segments being correspondingly wider than is permitted to allow the track or track segments to escape the aperture.

In the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 29-33, the translating pieces of a given translating layer are carried by a track member that is adapted to rotate relative to the fixed pieces. The track member in this and related embodiments is also captivated in captivating grooves in the fixed pieces.

The migratory pieces are provided between the fixed and the translating pieces. In addition to being adapted to translate along with translating pieces when associated with the various layers of the puzzle, they can circulate about the travel path(s) in planes perpendicular thereto when the migratory pieces of the various layers are vertically aligned. The migratory pieces may have hollow “bores” so that they surround the track or track segments with sufficient clearance to avoid interference therewith for a full 360 degree rotation. Alternatively, where structural members apart from the track or track sections are used to connect the fixed puzzle pieces, the structural members are preferably substantially cylindrical or tubular. The migratory pieces may be adapted to slidably engage with interior (not visible) rotating pieces that are disposed between the fixed pieces and that have cylindrical bores for receiving the cylindrical structural members so as to permit rotation of the interior rotating pieces about the structural members. Alternatively, the migratory pieces may ride tracks defined by the structural members as in the embodiment of FIGS. 29-33 (tracks “T” defined by the tubular members as shown in FIG. 33).

The migratory pieces are allowed to separate from horizontally adjacent migratory pieces, to allow the migratory pieces to circulate about the travel path(s) in rotational planes perpendicular thereto, allowing the migratory pieces to be exchanged between layers. For example, in FIG. 33, a column A of migratory pieces can be circulated relative to an immediately adjacent column B of migratory pieces. As seen in FIG. 33, the pieces have complementary mating features, e.g., tongues and grooves, that allow for the required circulation yet otherwise retain the migratory pieces together. While circulation in preferred embodiments is along circular paths, this is not essential.

The migratory pieces are also allowed to separate from vertically adjacent migratory pieces so when aligned with the layers, migratory pieces associated with a rotating layer can move along the travel path defined by the rotating layer, and migratory pieces associated with a non-rotating layer can remain with the non-rotating layer. For example, in FIG. 32, the migratory pieces “a,” “b,” and “c” corresponding to a first row of the block 42 and associated with an upper layer can move horizontally relative to migratory pieces “d,” “e,” and “f” corresponding to a second row of the block 42 and associated with the base layer.

In preferred embodiments there are three layers; a base layer, an upper layer above the base layer, and a lower layer beneath the base layer, where it is understood that the terms “upper” and “lower” are arbitrary. In the three layer embodiments, migratory pieces may be exchanged between the upper and lower layers as well as between the base layer and either the upper or lower layers, by circulating about the travel paths associated with the layers in rotational planes perpendicular to these travel paths, as explained above.

It is to be understood that, while specific toroidal manipulative puzzles have been shown and described as preferred, other configurations could be utilized, in addition to those already mentioned, without departing from the principles of the invention.

The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. A toroidal manipulative puzzle, comprising: at least three sets of puzzle pieces, a base set comprising at least five fixed puzzle pieces, an upper set of puzzle pieces corresponding one-to-one with said base set, and a migratory set of puzzle pieces, the base set of puzzle pieces defining a base layer of the puzzle, and the upper set of puzzle pieces defining an upper layer of the puzzle, wherein said base and upper layers are in a vertically stacked relationship; an upper track member associated with said upper layer and defining a ring-like horizontally disposed first travel path around an open center of the puzzle, said first travel path providing, under a first condition in which the puzzle pieces of said migratory set are in horizontal states of alignment with said base and upper layers, for relative rotations of said upper and base layers, and wherein, under a second condition in which the puzzle pieces of said base and upper sets are in vertical states of alignment with each other, the puzzle pieces of said migratory set are permitted to circulate about said first travel path in rotational planes substantially perpendicular thereto and thereby move between said layers.
 2. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein under said second condition a first vertically associated subset of the migratory puzzle pieces are permitted to circulate about said first travel path in a first rotational plane, and a second vertically associated subset of the migratory puzzle pieces that are in a state of horizontal adjacency to those of the first vertically associated subset are independently permitted to circulate about said first travel path in a second rotational plane.
 3. The puzzle of claim 2, wherein the migratory puzzle pieces of the first vertically associated subset and the migratory puzzle pieces of the second vertically associated subset have complementary mating features for retaining the migratory puzzle pieces of the first and second vertically associated subsets in said state of horizontal adjacency.
 4. The puzzle of claim 2, wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, said upper track member is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said upper layer along said first travel path, the migratory puzzle pieces of said first horizontally associated subset being separable from a vertically adjacent second subset of said migratory puzzle pieces that are horizontally associated with said base layer and therefore do not translate in concert therewith.
 5. The puzzle of claim 2, wherein said upper track member is fixed relative to said base set of puzzle pieces, and wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said track member along said first travel path.
 6. The puzzle of claim 1 wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, said upper track member is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said upper layer along said first travel path, the migratory puzzle pieces of said first horizontally associated subset being separable from a vertically adjacent second subset of said migratory puzzle pieces that are horizontally associated with said base layer and therefore do not translate in concert therewith.
 7. The puzzle of claim 1 wherein said upper track member is fixed relative to said base set of puzzle pieces, and wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said track member along said first travel path.
 8. The puzzle of claim 1, further comprising: a lower set of puzzle pieces corresponding one-to-one with said base set, the lower set of puzzle pieces defining a lower layer of the puzzle, said base layer disposed between said upper and lower layers, said lower, base, and upper layers being in a vertically stacked relationship; a lower track member associated with said lower layer and defining a ring-like horizontally disposed second travel path around said open center of the puzzle vertically spaced from said first travel path, said second travel path providing, under a third condition in which the puzzle pieces of said migratory set are in horizontal states of alignment with said upper, base, and lower layers, for relative rotations of said lower and base layers, and wherein, under a fourth condition in which the puzzle pieces of said upper, base, and lower sets are in vertical states of alignment with each other, the puzzle pieces of said migratory set are permitted to circulate about said first and second travel paths in rotational planes substantially perpendicular thereto and thereby move between said layers.
 9. The puzzle of claim 8, wherein under said second condition a first vertically associated subset of the migratory puzzle pieces are permitted to circulate about said first travel path in a first rotational plane, and a second vertically associated subset of the migratory puzzle pieces that are in a state of horizontal adjacency to those of the first vertically associated subset are independently permitted to circulate about said first travel path in a second rotational plane.
 10. The puzzle of claim 9, wherein the migratory puzzle pieces of the first vertically associated subset and the migratory puzzle pieces of the second vertically associated subset have complementary mating features for retaining the migratory puzzle pieces of the first and second vertically associated subsets in said state of horizontal adjacency.
 11. The puzzle of claim 9, wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, said upper track member is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said upper layer along said first travel path, the migratory puzzle pieces of said first horizontally associated subset being separable from a vertically adjacent second subset of said migratory puzzle pieces that are horizontally associated with said base layer and therefore do not translate in concert therewith.
 12. The puzzle of claim 9, wherein said upper track member is fixed relative to said base set of puzzle pieces, and wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said track member along said first travel path.
 13. The puzzle of claim 8, wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, said upper track member is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said upper layer along said first travel path, the migratory puzzle pieces of said first horizontally associated subset being separable from a vertically adjacent second subset of said migratory puzzle pieces that are horizontally associated with said base layer and therefore do not translate in concert therewith.
 14. The puzzle of claim 8, wherein said upper track member is fixed relative to said base set of puzzle pieces, and wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said track member along said first travel path.
 15. The puzzle of claim 8, wherein under said second condition a first vertically associated subset of the migratory puzzle pieces are permitted to circulate about said first and second travel paths in a first rotational plane, and a second vertically associated subset of the migratory puzzle pieces that are in a state of horizontal adjacency to those of the first vertically associated subset are independently permitted to circulate about said first and second travel paths in a second rotational plane.
 16. The puzzle of claim 15, wherein the migratory puzzle pieces of the first vertically associated subset and the migratory puzzle pieces of the second vertically associated subset have complementary mating features for retaining the migratory puzzle pieces of the first and second vertically associated subsets in said state of horizontal adjacency.
 17. The puzzle of claim 15, wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, said upper track member is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said upper layer along said first travel path, and said lower track is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a third horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said lower layer along said second travel path, the migratory puzzle pieces of said first horizontally associated subset being separable from a vertically adjacent second subset of said migratory puzzle pieces that are horizontally associated with said base layer and therefore do not translate in concert therewith, and the migratory puzzle pieces of said third horizontally associated subset being separable from said vertically adjacent second subset.
 18. The puzzle of claim 15, wherein said upper and lower track members are fixed relative to said base set of puzzle pieces, and wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said first track member along said first travel path and a second horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said second track member along said second travel path.
 19. The puzzle of claim 8, wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, said upper track member is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said upper layer along said first travel path, and said lower track is adapted to circulate relative to said base layer and to carry a third horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces in said lower layer along said second travel path, the migratory puzzle pieces of said first horizontally associated subset being separable from a vertically adjacent second subset of said migratory puzzle pieces that are horizontally associated with said base layer and therefore do not translate in concert therewith, and the migratory puzzle pieces of said third horizontally associated subset being separable from said vertically adjacent second subset.
 20. The puzzle of claim 8, wherein said upper and lower track members are fixed relative to said base set of puzzle pieces, and wherein, in said horizontal states of alignment between the puzzle pieces of said migratory set and said layers, a first horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said first track member along said first travel path and a second horizontally associated subset of said migratory puzzle pieces is adapted to slide relative to said second track member along said second travel path. 